USWNT forward Sophia Smith has signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns making her the highest-paid player annually in the NWSL.
Sophia Smith tells Ali Krieger why she's decided to re-sign with the Portland Thorns and her thoughts on the NWSL. that ties her to Portland through the 2025 season, with an option to extend the contract through 2026, the National Women's Soccer League and the Golden Boot . She re-signed with the Thorns in March 2022 and led them to their third NWSL Championship later that year.
Until recently, the Thorns had performed well, on and off the field, since the NWSL's inception in 2013. The past two-plus years, however, were riddled with turmoil in Portland, which was at the epicenter of the NWSL's recent reckoning with abuse.
"Soph has the ability to be the best in the world," LeBlanc said."She's hungry to do a lot of things. You look at her, she's young. For what she's accomplished, you'd think she's late 20s, but she has the ability to -- and I think this is where the hunger comes in -- study the game and learn the little nuances. Her pace puts her above everyone. Her speed the ball at her feet is exceptional.
"I think they're both unique challenges in their own ways. I think Europe would challenge me in a different way than the NWSL challenges me, but I think this league is so good for me, and it's the exact type of style that I feel like I like to play and thrive in. I just feel like I still have so much to learn in this league and in with this club specifically, and I don't want to move on from that yet.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith's Charity Shutting DownWill Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are shutting down their charitable foundation due, at least partly, to fallout from Will's infamous Oscars slap.
Read more »
Mahomes-owned KC Current holds off Portland for first win in new stadiumThe KC Current held off the Portland Thorns, 5-4, securing the first win in its new stadium during its NWSL regular-season opener.
Read more »
Kansas City Current open 'game-changing' stadium with 5-4 winThe Kansas City Current ushered in the grand opening of CPKC Stadium, the first stadium built specifically for an NWSL team, in style on Saturday, defeating the Portland Thorns 5-4.
Read more »
Bay FC shocks Angel City with 1-0 win in first-ever NWSL gameBay FC played an inspiring, if also chaotic brand of football as it knocked off a quality Angel City side in Los Angeles.
Read more »
Angel City shut out in season-opening loss to NWSL newcomers Bay FCAngel City fails to capitalize on 12 corner kicks and misses a prime scoring chance in the 90th minute in a season-opening 1-0 loss to Bay FC.
Read more »
Six takeaways from Bay FC’s 1-0 win in its inaugural NWSL gameBay FC played a wildly entertaining match in its first-ever game on Sunday.
Read more »